Student Classifications

Regular students (full-time) are those who have been admitted to a degree program and take twelve or more credit hours per semester, or six hours in the summer session.

Regular students (part-time) are those who have been admitted to a degree program and who are taking less than twelve credit hours per semester, or less than six hours in the summer session.

Non-degree-seeking students (full-time) are those who, under the direction of the Dean and the faculty, pursue studies not directed toward a degree, such as the Diploma in Anglican Studies or the Certificate in Theological Studies.

Special students are non-degree-seeking, part-time students who do not go through the regular admission process but submit a special student application.

Evaluation of Academic Proficiency

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Sacred Theology, Diploma of Anglican Studies, and Certificate of Theological Studies

Satisfactory academic progress at the School of Theology is defined as eligibility to re-enroll in the specific degree program for the following semester. Letter grades are given on a 4.0 scale ranging from A to F.

A student’s cumulative grade point average is computed on a 4.0 scale and is recorded on their transcript. A student seeking the Master of Divinity degree, Master of Arts degree, Diploma of Anglican Studies, Certificate of Theological Studies with less than a 2.33 grade point average (GPA) in courses taken for the current degree/program at the University of the South is evaluated by the faculty as either “provisional” or “inadequate.” A Master of Sacred Theology student with less than a 3.0 grade point average in courses taken for the current degree/program at the University of the South is evaluated by the faculty as either “provisional” or “inadequate.” A student who receives an F in any semester is rated as “provisional,” and more than one F as “inadequate.” A student rated as “inadequate” is dismissed; if rated “provisional,” the student may remain but must rise to the status of “adequate” (GPA calculated on the basis of courses taken for the current degree at the University of the South) by the end of the following semester in order to remain in school.

Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry

Letter grades are given on a 4.0 scale ranging from A to F. A student’s cumulative grade point average is computed on a 4.0 scale and recorded on their transcript. A student with less than a 2.67 grade point average (GPA) in courses taken for the current degree at the University of the South is evaluated by the Advanced Degrees Committee as either “provisional” or “inadequate.” A student who receives an F in any course is rated as “provisional,” and a student who receives more than one F is rated as “inadequate.” A student rated as “inadequate” is dismissed; if rated “provisional,” the student may remain but must rise to the status of “adequate” (GPA calculated on the basis of courses taken for the current degree at the University of the South) by the end of the next term in which they are registered order to remain in school.

Definition of “Good Standing”

Master of Divinity, Master of Arts, Diploma of Anglican Studies, Certificate of Theological Studies, and Certificate of Ministerial Studies

A student is in good standing if their grade point average in courses taken for the current degree/program at the University of the South is 2.33 or higher, the student has not been rated “provisional” or “inadequate” due to failure of a course or a grade point average below 2.33 in the prior semester, and if no disciplinary action has been taken or is impending. Grades from transfer courses are not included in the calculation of grade point average for determining “good standing.”

Master of Sacred Theology and Doctor of Ministry

A student is in good standing if their grade point average in courses taken for the current degree at the University of the South is 2.67 or higher, the student has not been rated “provisional” or “inadequate” due to failure of a course or a grade point average below 2.67, and if no disciplinary action has been taken or is impending. Grades from transfer courses are not included in the calculation of grade point average for determining “good standing.”

Suspension or Dismissal

In consultation with the faculty, the Dean may suspend or dismiss a student for any of the following reasons:

• Academic dishonesty—see policy.
• Failure of a student to be adequately responsible for academic and/or required co-curricular work.
• If the Dean and a majority of the faculty determine that they cannot reasonably be expected to recommend a student for ordination (Master of Divinity, Master of Sacred Theology (Anglican Studies Track), or Diploma of Anglican Studies).
• Inappropriate behavior that the Dean and a majority of the faculty determine to be disruptive or destructive of the learning process and/or community life.
• Charged with a civil or criminal offense or a breach of morality, if in the judgment of the Dean, this precludes effective membership in the student body, causes disruption of the life of the School of Theology, or creates a reasonable doubt of the student’s suitability for ministry in the church.

The decision of which sanctions to apply rests with the Dean in consultation with the faculty. Dismissal normally precludes readmission. In the case of suspension, the determination of the term and circumstances of suspension and conditions for reinstatement rests with the Dean in consultation with the faculty. If the Dean judges that action must be taken before there is adequate time to consult the faculty, the Dean may do so.

Dismissal automatically terminates any contract between the school and the student.